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MC2STEM High School opening celebrated
Nov. 18, 2013: Officials from CMSD, KeyBank Foundation, and Cleveland State University celebrated their STEM partnership on November 18, 2013, at the grand opening of Cleveland’s MC2STEM High School on the CSU campus.
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Juniors and seniors attending the STEM high school at its new location at Rhodes Tower West participated in a program that included a laser-assisted ribbon cutting-ceremony and a showcase of the students’ work.
The grand opening, at Rhodes Tower West at CSU, 2124 Chester Ave., included high-ranking officials from the three organizations, in addition to Wilson, the second African-American female to travel into space.
“We are very excited to have a second CMSD school here on campus,” said Cleveland State President Ronald Berkman. “This would not have been possible without the close collaboration among KeyBank, CMSD and CSU. It is a true partnership that will have long-lasting benefits throughout this community.”
The classroom space, officially named the “KeyBank Classrooms for STEM Education,” is concentrated in Rhodes Tower West, although students enjoy access to a science/chemistry lab in CSU’s new science building, to science/technology classrooms and to a cafeteria.
“This event is a celebration not only of our unique partnership with KeyBank and CSU but also a celebration of our signature partnerships across the city that have helped to make CMSD’s city-wide STEM program a model program in the United States,” said Christine Fowler-Mack, CMSD’s Chief Portfolio Officer.
KeyBank and CSU join General Electric, the Great Lakes Science Center, NASA, the STEM Hub, and the Jewish Community Federation in helping to expand CMSD’s growing portfolio of STEM opportunities.
Cleveland’s STEM education program fosters inquiry, innovation, and intellectual growth for high school students, said Margot Copeland, KeyBank Foundation Chair. “These qualities are requisites for a successful academic career and for students who will eventually become thriving, contributing members of this community.”
Copeland said she and other KeyBank officials believe in Cleveland’s young people and intend for the support to make high school and college graduation realistic goals for all students. “The STEM education program has already demonstrated great promise, and we look forward to its success in years to come," she said.
Beth Mooney, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KeyCorp, said KeyBank Foundation’s $1.25 million donation to create the renovated space for MC2STEM High School at CSU is part of KeyBank’s broader vision to expand STEM opportunities in Cleveland.
“As a longstanding member of the community, it is our responsibility and a privilege to support the education of Cleveland youth,” she said. “We were pleased to partner closely with Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Cleveland State University to envision and create the STEM classrooms. Thanks to dedicated partners who all believe in the potential of today's youth, the vision has become a reality.”
The MC2STEM High School curriculum provides strong academic, analytic, and problem solving skills, which, Principal Jeff McClelland says result in a higher number of high school students going on to higher education.
“Our college acceptance and retention rates remain high, with 100% of our graduates accepted to college last year, and 93% this year, “said McClelland, whose school received ratings of Effective and Excellent the last three years. “Over $10 million in scholarships have been offered to support our MC2STEM graduates.”
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